CNN’s Harry Enten Calls JD Vance ‘Mario Andretti’ of Likely 2028 Candidates — ‘Nobody Else Even Close’ [WATCH]

The 2028 Republican presidential race isn’t supposed to be happening yet. But CNN senior data analyst Harry Enten says it’s already underway—and Vice President JD Vance is blowing the doors off the field.

“These guys are running already, even if they haven’t formally declared. They’re already running, and JD Vance is running well ahead of the field,” Enten said on “CNN News Central.”

Enten pointed to prediction-market odds that put Vance in a different league altogether.

“Top chances to be the 2028 GOP pres nominee, the prediction market odds. Look at this. JD Vance, 48% chance. Nobody else is even close. Marco Rubio is way back at 12%, and no one else is even above a 5% chance of being the 2028 GOP nominee.”

Then Enten turned it into a visual.

“JD Vance is like Mario Andretti, and Marco Rubio and the rest of the field are going around in go-karts at this point. JD Vance is the clear heavy favorite at this time.”

And Enten said the market isn’t making it up — it’s following the polls.

“This number is not coming out of nowhere,” he said, pointing to early New Hampshire surveys showing Vance dominating the first-in-the-nation primary state.

“Just take a look at New Hampshire, right? The first in the nation primary. I mean, take a look here. JD Vance at 51%. The next closest is Nikki Haley, who’s at 9. I mean, what is that?” Enten asked. “That’s 42 points ahead of the pack.”

Tulsi Gabbard was at 8%, he noted—still nowhere close to Vance’s lead.

Enten’s argument is simple: if you win New Hampshire, you’re on the glide path.

“If you win the GOP primary in New Hampshire, chances are you’re going to be the Republican nominee for president.”

And the strength isn’t just a one-week blip. Enten said Vance has led early 2028 polling since at least October — real staying power, even before the race has officially begun.

One Emerson College survey adds another wrinkle: Vance is already testing well in a hypothetical general election matchup, narrowly leading Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, 46% to 45%, with 10% undecided.

Enten calls Vance’s poll position “historic.”

Watch the clip below:

JD Vance is like Mario Andretti & the rest of the GOP is going around in go karts when it comes to 2028.

Vance is the clear favorite to win the 2028 GOP nom. He’s the 1st ever non-sitting pres to get 50%+ in early New Hamp primary polls. Has a 40+ pt lead over the competition. pic.twitter.com/UJclcrJep0

— (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) December 29, 2025